Page 52 of Lucifer's Mirror

I can feel something dragging me under. The pain seems to be spreading through my body. Is it poison? I don’t know, but my fingers are going numb, and the mug falls to the ground.

I’m vaguely aware of Khaosti jumping to his feet, but then nothing more…

When I wake up, it’s daylight.

And I hurt. My whole body is one big ache.

I squint open my eyes; the sun is high overhead. It must be around midday.

I roll my head to the side without moving my body—I’m not sure I want to do that just yet—and there’s no one in sight. I’m alone. Everything is quiet.

I can’t stay here forever. With a deep breath, I press my hands flat onto the ground and push myself up with a groan. Fire streaks through me, from my side, radiating all the way through my body. And my head is pounding. Everything hurts, and just the thought of trying to get on Stella this morning fills me with dread. But I have to do it.

I hear running footsteps. Then Khaosti is there, and he drops to his knees beside me. His face is haggard, and there are shadows under his eyes. His gaze runs over me. “Thank the gods, you’re awake.”

I frown. My mouth is dry, and I lick my lips. “Just how long have I been out?”

“Over thirty-six hours. Your body was fighting the poison. I wasn’t sure…”

He trails off. I’m pretty sure he was going to say he didn’t think I was going to make it. And he sounds really upset.Aw.

He reaches out his hand and rests his palm against my forehead. “The fever is gone,” he says, then lets out a huge breath and sort of sags, his shoulders slumping.

I don’t say anything but just wait. Finally, he straightens. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? Hot? Cold?”

I almost smile. “Thirsty,” I say.

He jumps up and comes back seconds later with water. As he holds a mug to my lips, I gulp it down. I think about getting up, actually moving, but just the idea makes me want to cry. I hate being so pathetic.

He stares down at me. “We’re staying here,” he says. “Go back to sleep.”

And I almost cry anyway from the relief that floods my body. I’m certainly not going to argue with him.

I lay back, close my eyes, and let the world get on with whatever it’s doing.

I’ll be better tomorrow, I promise.

Chapter 25

Back in the Saddle (Barely)

Iwakethefollowingmorningfeeling much better. As I sit up, I know I’m ready to move again—just maybe a little slower than usual. The burning pain in my side has faded to a dull ache. My head is clear.

I’m going to live!

I’m taking stock when Thanouq approaches. He squats down in front of me and studies me. “You’re better?”

I nod. “Yes. I think we can move today.”

“Good.” He straightens. “We leave in thirty minutes. I’ll get your horse ready. Have some food.” He turns and strides away. I look around for Khaosti, but he’s nowhere to be seen, and his horse is gone.

For a second, panic grips my insides. Has he left? I scramble to my feet, clutching my side, and turn in a circle, searching for him.

“Don’t worry,” Zayne says from behind me, making me jump. “Your new boyfriend hasn’t dumped you. He’s just gone to check out the area and make sure there’s nothing nasty around.”

I sniff. “Don’t be an ass.” But my heart rate settles, my appetite miraculously reappears, and I head in search of food.

Zayne stands there, looking thoughtful, as if he wants to say something.